Normal delivery induced stress alters glutathione peroxidase and TNF-α in elderly primigravidas mononuclear cells

To probe the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity coupled to ROS and TNF-α levels in younger versus elderly primigravidas. Monocytes were isolated from blood of young and elderly primigravidas after 12 hrs, 24 hrs and 14 days postpartum. Age-matched healthy female donors served as controls. Thereafter, the above monocytes were subjected to evaluation of GPx activity, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and reactivity/specificity towards anti-TNF-α antibody. Suppression in GPx activity with simultaneous enhancement of TNF-α levels in monocytes was observed after 12 hrs and 24 hrs of spontaneous labor pain-induced maternal delivery through normal vaginal route. Conversely, an enhancement of GPx activity and decrease in TNF-α levels were observed on day 14 of postpartum, thereby indicating reversal of the impaired neutralizing mechanisms. The antioxidant network combating ROS was stronger in younger primigravidas. Capability of TNF-α and ROS suppression was somewhat lesser in elderly primigravidas even 14 days of postpartum via normal vaginal route. The capability of GPx activity enhancement with simultaneous suppression in ROS and TNF-α, decreases in elderly primigravidas. This may act as one of the important parameters leading to a variety of complications encountered by elderly primigravidas.     

A study on interaction of Aluminium with rat intestinal brush border membrane

The present studies with aluminium chloride given in drinking water showed marked inhibition in the activities of intestinal brush border membrane marker enzymes, namely alkaline phosphatase, acetyl cholinesterase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and sucrase. Moreover, a significant depression in the levels of membrane constituents, viz phospholipids, cholesterol, hexoses and sialic acid following aluminium chloride treatment was also observed. On the basis of these studies it may be concluded that if aluminium is taken in high quantities it may alter the structure and functioning of the intestinal brush border membrane, which in turn may lead to the improper digestion and reduced nutrient uptake from the small intestine.